Why I choose to Study Accounting and Finance Degree?

Subject Choice and Motivation

Why did you choose to study Accounting and Finance?

I chose to study Accounting because I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, but I also wanted something that connected to the wider business world. For me, Accounting felt like the perfect mix, it isn’t just about calculations; it’s about understanding how organisations operate, make decisions, and stay financially healthy.

What career outcomes were you considering when you choose Accounting & Finance?

I always considered that accounting and finance had good career pathways, so it was important to find a course that did maximise the exemptions possible for professional exams – which I have utilised for my ICAS studies.

Did you consider alternatives such as Economics, Business Management, or Data-related courses?

I did briefly consider broader business courses, but ultimately I wanted a degree that was more structured and professionally recognised. Napier’s strong focus on accounting combined with corporate finance, along with its accreditations, made it stand out. 

What made you choose Edinburgh Napier University to study this Accounting and Finance course?

I chose ENU specifically because of the course’s reputation. It’s one of the top universities for Accounting and Finance, and its industry connections and multiple accreditations really set it apart from other universities.

Application and Readiness

Did you have any concerns about the course before starting, and how did that turn out?

Before I started, one of my biggest worries was not being able to remember absolutely everything across all the modules. I imagined I’d need to memorise vast amounts of material to keep up. But once I settled into the course, I realised that success wasn’t about memorising every detail, it was about really understanding the principles and processes behind the content. That strong foundation helped me apply my knowledge far more effectively than trying to recall everything word-for-word. 

What would you say to someone who thinks Accounting or Finance is “too technical” or “too difficult”?

If someone thinks Accounting or Finance is “too technical,” I’d say that the course is designed to build up your confidence gradually from one module to the next. The teaching breaks down complex ideas into manageable parts, and as long as you’re willing to engage with the material, it becomes much more approachable.

Teaching and Academic Experience

How would you describe the teaching and support from lecturers on your course?

The teaching at Napier was one of the highlights of my experience. Lecturers were supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping us succeed. Many had strong industry backgrounds, and they regularly brought their own experiences from both the public and private sectors to show how the theory applies in real life.

How accessible are academic staff when you need support? 

Whenever I needed help, staff were easy to reach, whether through office hours, tutorials, or quick questions after class. That accessibility made a huge difference, definitely making you’re point clear when asking for support makes it easier for staff to support you it’s a “help them help you” situation. 

Learning Experience and Practical Relevance

How well does the course link accounting and finance theory to real-world business or finance practice?

The course does a great job of linking theory to real-world practice. A lot of our assessments were structured around realistic tasks like preparing reports, analysing financial statements, or working through business simulations. These experiences gave me a solid sense of what finance and auditing work actually involves. 

Which modules have had the biggest impact on your understanding and why?

Some standout modules for me were Financial Management, Corporate Reporting, and Auditing, because they gave me a clearer picture of how organisations make financial decisions and communicate performance. These modules are also strongly aligned with what’s expected in professional finance roles such as my traineeship in Public Sector Auditing. 

How do assessments reflect what you might do in a professional role?

A lot of our assessments were structured around realistic tasks like preparing reports, analysing financial statements, or working through business simulations. These experiences gave me a solid sense of what finance and auditing work actually involves. 

Skills Development

What skills have you developed since starting the course that you did not expect to gain?

Throughout the degree, I developed far more skills than I expected. Of course, I improved my technical abilities in areas like financial analysis, auditing, and corporate finance. But I also built very practical and transferable skills including problem‑solving, report writing, and research, all of which turned out to be incredibly valuable during assessments and job applications. 

How has the course improved your professional mindset?

I became more organised, more analytical, and better at managing deadlines and complex information — habits that have already helped me transition toward my traineeship in Public Sector Audit. 

Which skills do you think employers value most from this degree?

I think employers really value the mix of technical and transferable skills you build throughout the degree. From my own journey, especially now moving into Public Sector Auditing, I’ve noticed how much employers value clear report writing, critical thinking, and being able to analyse information and explain it in a way that non‑finance colleagues can understand. Those skills were strengthened massively through assessments, presentations, and real‑world case studies built into the degree. 

Employability and Career Preparation

How has the course helped prepare you for your future career in accounting, finance, or business?

Napier also encourages students to take on internships, and I found the university’s industry connections really useful in understanding what different finance careers look like. Through the course, I ended up discovering that I was more suited to auditing in the public sector than in commercial firms — something I might not have realised without the exposure the programme provided. 

How valuable are professional exemptions or accreditations for your career plans?

One thing that makes this course stand out is how strongly it’s linked to career development. It’s accredited by major accounting bodies like ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAS, and ICAEW, which gives you exemptions and a real head start if you want to pursue professional qualifications.

How confident do you feel about entering the job market after graduation?

I feel confident entering the job market, not just because of the modules, but because the course is very practical and aligned with what employers expect. 

Facilities and Learning Resources

Which facilities, tools, or resources have been most useful for your learning at Edinburgh Napier University?

I found Napier’s resources incredibly helpful, from the library and online databases to the modern business school facilities. We used various software tools throughout the course, particularly for financial analysis and data handling, which helped build confidence in working with digital tools relevant to the field. The broader support environment including academic staff and real‑world case studies also made learning more engaging. 

Overall Experience and Recommendation

Looking back, was choosing Accounting and Finance at Edinburgh Napier University the right decision for you, and why?

Looking back, choosing Accounting and Finance at Edinburgh Napier was definitely the right decision for me. The course had the right balance of theory, practical application, and professional relevance, and it genuinely helped shape my career direction. 

What would you say to someone unsure about choosing this subject?

If someone is unsure about choosing this subject, I’d tell them that Accounting opens far more doors than people assume. Whether you’re interested in business, finance, auditing, or even the public sector like I am, it provides a strong foundation. 

How would you describe your overall experience in one sentence?

My experience was a challenging but highly rewarding journey that helped me grow both academically and professionally, and ultimately shaped the career path I’m on today. 

Advice to Prospective Students

What would you say to someone considering studying Accounting and Finance at this Business School?

I’d say go for it, the course is well‑respected, the teaching is excellent, and the opportunities in Edinburgh’s financial sector are hard to match.

What advice would you give to a new Accounting or Finance student in their first few weeks?